Tillerson considers closing U.S. Embassy in Havana

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson confirmed Sunday he might close the U.S. Embassy in Cuba over unexplained attacks on diplomats. At least 21 U.S. foreign service workers and family members have suffered hearing loss, concussions, nausea, headaches, and ear-ringing. In the most severe cases, some of those injured are struggling with concentration and recalling common words. The incidents began last year and are ongoing, with the latest report coming Aug. 21. U.S. officials don’t know what’s causing the problems but suspect some kind of sonic attack, which could include an electromagnetic weapon or an advanced spying operation gone wrong. Some victims said they felt vibrations or heard loud sounds, while others noticed nothing out of the ordinary before developing symptoms. Cuban officials have denied any involvement or knowledge of the incidents. U.S. officials are considering all possibilities, including a third country or rogue faction of the Cuban security force. Former President Barack Obama reestablished diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2015, a controversial decision that remains unpopular with conservative lawmakers. Five Republican senators on Friday urged Tillerson to close the embassy in Havana and kick all Cuban diplomats out of the United States in protest.